Lydia Melamed Johnson
Director of The Photography Show
The first art fair dedicated to photography
Pauline Loeb of artfairmag interviews Lydia Melamed Johnson, director of The Photography Show, discussing its evolution since 1979 and the 2024 edition’s return to Park Avenue Armory with a diverse global roster. Johnson highlights the resurgence of in-person art enthusiasm post-pandemic and emerging trends in collecting works by underrepresented groups. The fair promises a showcase of history and cutting-edge photography.
In a detailed conversation with Pauline Loeb, Lydia Melamed Johnson, director of The Photography Show, reflects on its history, beginning in 1979, and the evolution into a premier global platform for photographic art. She expresses excitement for the show’s 2024 return to the Park Avenue Armory, a venue that echoes the fair’s grandeur. With a diverse assembly of 78 exhibitors, Johnson emphasizes the fair’s global reach and its significant European and Latin American presence. She notes the art market’s robust recovery post-pandemic, with an increased appetite for in-person art experiences and a trend towards more diverse and inclusive collections. Johnson highlights the affordability of photography, making it an accessible entry point for new collectors.
Artists like Robert Langham presented by Koslov Larsen and Sarah Sense, showcased by Bruce Silverstein, are mentioned as exemplifying the future of photography, with innovative processes and storytelling that push the medium’s boundaries. This edition will also continue the Monumental Pathway, showcasing large-scale works within the fair, indicating a commitment to both historical legacy and contemporary innovation in photography.
Latest Interviews
![A Casual Conversation with Wim Delvoye at artmonte-carlo 2024](https://www.artfairmag.com/wp-content/uploads/wim-delvoye-1080x675.jpg)
A Casual Conversation with Wim Delvoye at artmonte-carlo 2024
Pauline Loeb sat down with Belgian artist Wim Delvoye at artmonte-carlo to discuss his diverse art and his unique approach to working with various materials.
![Discovering New Horizons: Lee Cavaliere’s Vision for VOLTA](https://www.artfairmag.com/wp-content/uploads/lee-cavaliere-1080x675.jpg)
Discovering New Horizons: Lee Cavaliere’s Vision for VOLTA
Lee Cavaliere, VOLTA’s new artistic director, reveals his mission to redefine the fair, spotlighting innovation and inclusivity in the art world’s landscape of discovery.
![artmonte-carlo’s 8th Edition: High Quality Art Meets Market Hesitancy](https://www.artfairmag.com/wp-content/uploads/artmonte-carlo-2024-1080x675.jpg)
artmonte-carlo’s 8th Edition: High Quality Art Meets Market Hesitancy
artmonte-carlo showcased high-quality modern & contemporary art under new leadership, but faced market challenges with cautious collectors and modest sales.
![VOLTA Basel 2024: A New Venue for an Increasingly International Fair](https://www.artfairmag.com/wp-content/uploads/volta-basel-2-1080x675.jpg)
VOLTA Basel 2024: A New Venue for an Increasingly International Fair
The 19th edition of VOLTA Basel was the first under Artistic Director Lee Cavaliere. It gathered 45 international galleries during Art Basel Week and offer an appealing proposition.
![Art Basel 2024: A Resounding Success Amid Art Market Challenges.](https://www.artfairmag.com/wp-content/uploads/img-4498-1080x675.jpeg)
Art Basel 2024: A Resounding Success Amid Art Market Challenges.
Dealers participating in this new edition of Art Basel generally made good sales, proving that the fair remains the must-attend event for international collectors.